Shift Your Energy With The Seasons

The changing of the seasons (no matter how unnoticeable) is a great time for you to shift your energy. Just like Mother Earth sloughs off the previous quarter, you too can regroup and realign with your true badass self.

And yes, we are already a few months into Winter, but if you haven’t changed up your routines as of yet, the New Year is the perfect time to start! Especially with everything going on in the world right now, I encourage you to be being a little more intentional in your life and your energy, so you’re not just cruising on autopilot through every day. That’s why this month we’re going to concentrate specifically on when and how SHIFT HAPPENS.

So I’ve put together a list of my Top 10 ways to help you be a little more intentional, stay a little bit more grounded and connected to the present, and reap the benefits of this process as you move into the new season—and the new year.

Before we dive in…

Like I said before, even if you live in a climate where the seasonal shifts aren’t obvious (hello, sunny CA), your body recognizes the subtle changes. And nature certainly does, as the food changes, right?

I’m a total beach girl, and I love to be outdoors hiking, swimming, snowboarding, you name it. But after all the crazy transitions we had to make in 2020 – some much harder than others – focusing on shifting my energy with the seasons has been sort of a game changer.

As I became more intentional moving through the seasons, I set aside more time on rituals and routines and changed things up as I moved from one period into the next one. It opens your spirit up and makes the transitions so much easier, fun and grounded.  

And bottom line: when you’re more intentional about where your energy and your time is going, you’ll stay more connected to the things that really matter to you. You’ll have more control over your day to day activities instead of just riding the wave on cruise control. You’ll feel calmer and less stressed, which helps in all areas of your life – work, relationships, community, goals and of course, health.

So without further adieu, here’s the list.

1) Take In the Bigger Picture

I think it’s important to start each new season (and year) by setting intentions. I don’t like New Year’s Resolutions – those don’t necessarily stick – but you want to know which direction you’re heading. Ask yourself, “How do I want the next three or four months to look? How do I want  to feel?”

2) Commit It To Paper

I know that journaling isn’t for everyone, but let’s stay open-minded. 😉 Nowadays there are so many ways you can “journal” from doodling, bullet journals, morning pages (check out Julia Cameron) to online and app options. Whatever your pleasure, writing down your thoughts or just dumping out your emotions can help you gain clarity and work through difficult situations.

3) Natural Selection

I’m a HUGE fan of eating seasonally. Our bodies are literally built to enjoy whatever bounty the particular time has to offer. And our fruits and vegetables are designed to meet our bodies needs as the climate adjusts. Why ignore that?

4) Mirror The Seasons

We can ignore the biggest organ on your body – your skin. It has needs! You’re not going to put the same lotion, body wash or sunscreen in the brisk winter that you’d use in the summer heat, right? So don’t forget to switch around your skincare products and body care routines as the seasons change.

5) Let It Go

The adverse effects of physical clutter are real, my friends! When your home environment is organized and supports your intentions, you’ll stay more consistent with your routines and actually enjoy them. Talk about a great way to shift your energy! Don’t wait until Spring to clean out your closets, your drawers, your car, your pantry, or your office of “stuff” you don’t need anymore.

6) Gear Up

I know this will seem counterintuitive after telling you to get rid of your junk, but I am not necessarily saying you need to buy new things. But I always switch out my clothes and accessories as the season changes. In L.A., it rains in the winter, so I know I’ll be needing my raincoat, umbrella and boots out from the depths of my closet and somewhere easy to find and use. And in the summer, it’s time to bust out the bikinis, cover ups and big-brimmed hats. It’s a small shift that can make your life a little easier as the seasons change.

7) Shake It Off

Sweating is a natural detoxifier. It helps you release toxins from your body and boosts your feel-good neurotransmitters. It’s fabulous for your mental and physical health. When you feel strong, you feel confident – it doesn’t matter how much to weigh or how flexible you are or what your muscles look like. I love to mix up my workout routine every few months so that it’s exciting and works different areas of my body.

8) Cultural Revolution

This one is a fun one! Seek out new books, music, podcasts, magazines, etc. There is nothing more fun than opening your mind to new experiences and voices, and it can give you a fresh perspective on your own life too.

9) Great Expectations

Even though lots of events are canceled and we’re all still social distancing, I still recommend making a seasonal “bucket list” of sorts. Having fun activities to look forward to in the future will help kick any seasonal slump to the curb. Just make sure whatever you add to your list is in tune with your intentions. And it doesn’t have to be expensive ideas – even a peaceful drive one weekend can shift your energy for the better.

10) Steady On, Self-Care!

Okay, okay, I bet you knew I was going to include this… What can I say, self-care is my jam! But I do think that our self-care practices can shift and change along with the seasons. I obviously have my go-tos, but having a variety of options helps me maintain a well-rounded practice. Some nights, I don’t feel like meditating, but a soothing soak in the bathtub is a definite yes. They both help me release tension and quiet my thoughts, but in different ways. 

Alright, which are your favorite tips on this list? What intentions are you setting for this New Year season? Let me know in the Badass Beauty Club on Facebook. 

And be sure to join me every Friday at 9AM Pacific for our free Facebook LIVE discussion!

LOVE + Happy New Year!